Mom charged after 15-year-old found living alone in ‘unsanitary conditions’

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DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa mother faces several charges after police found her teen son living alone in an apartment with no food, a bug infestation, and dog feces spread so thick officers could barely "walk without stepping in it."

Davenport officers said they arrived at 920 West Locust Street Wednesday to find a 15-year-old boy living alone with a mental illness and a dirty apartment.

Authorities say the 15-year-old had been living in the apartment alone since January 9.

The mother, 39-year-old Christina Michael, admitted to police that she knew her son was living alone at the apartment during this stretch of time, police said.

Officers also wrote in an affidavit that the boy did not have any adult supervision at the apartment.

"Evidence of bug infestation was found (bug repellant powder near doorways), dog feces were scattered throughout the apartment making it difficult to walk without stepping in it, the refrigerator was not working properly and had nearly no food within it, the rear door did not secure, the apartment did not have hot water, the shower did not work and the boy had not bathed (through his own admission) in nearly two weeks as a result."

The mother also admitted to knowing that the boy had not been to school since the end of November 2018, according to WQAD.

Police were told the boy had been diagnosed with mental health issues – specifically depression and suicidal thoughts – and had attempted suicide three times in the past. Due to neglect, the boy was not on his anti-depression medication. Police say the mother was aware of the lack of medication as well as his suicidal thoughts/actions.

During the time he was left alone the boy had considered suicide and had intentionally cut himself on his calves.

Police found a hatchet and a machete in the apartment.

Song lyrics, the boy had written about committing suicide were also found in the apartment.

Christina Michael has been charged with child endangerment resulting in bodily injury.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time of day or night. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.